Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones — full of excitement, anticipation, and more paperwork than anyone expects. But for most buyers, the real adventure begins after the keys are handed over. That’s when the reality of moving in hits: boxes everywhere, disconnected utilities, and a never-ending list of “to-dos” no one warned them about.
Most realtors know the buying process inside out. But once the deal closes, many clients are left on their own to navigate what comes next — and that’s exactly where the opportunity lies. Because while every buyer remembers their realtor for helping them find the house, they rave about the ones who helped them feel at home.
Here are three things buyers say they wish their realtors told them before moving day.
1. The Move Doesn’t End at Closing
When the final signature dries and the keys change hands, it’s easy for everyone to exhale — “We did it!” But the finish line for a realtor is the starting line for the homeowner.
That’s when the avalanche begins: transferring utilities, scheduling movers, setting up internet, figuring out trash day, forwarding mail, and finding a dozen service providers to handle the little things (because no, the washer hose won’t survive another move).
Buyers often assume they’re done once they’ve closed, only to realize how many tiny, time-consuming tasks are still ahead. A quick reality check and a few tips from their realtor could save them hours of frustration.
Even better? Realtors who share a quick “Post-Close Checklist” or list of trusted local service pros are remembered for more than their negotiation skills. They’re remembered as the one who helped them breathe easier during the move.
2. The First Week Is the Real Test
The first seven days in a new home can make or break the experience. It’s when small inconveniences — no internet, unmarked boxes, a missing shower curtain — suddenly feel enormous.
Buyers often underestimate how long it takes to unpack, reconnect, and feel functional again. That’s when stress peaks, and it’s also when most clients hear radio silence from their agent.
Imagine the difference if their realtor checked in with a quick, “How’s the move going? Need a local recommendation for anything?” or even sent a list of “things to set up first.” It’s a tiny gesture, but it transforms the relationship from transactional to personal.
Realtors who stay visible during that first week are remembered not just as someone who sold a house — but as someone who showed up when it mattered most.
3. Local Connections Are Gold
Ask any new homeowner what they wish they had the week after moving in, and they’ll tell you: a trustworthy list of local pros.
From finding an electrician to locating the nearest dry cleaner, buyers face an instant scavenger hunt the moment they move. Online reviews help, but nothing beats a personal recommendation from someone who knows the area and the people in it.
This is where realtors can shine far beyond the sale. Sharing a curated list of trusted service providers — movers, handymen, landscapers, cleaning crews, or even a great local pizza spot — positions an agent as a true local expert. It also creates a ripple effect of goodwill. Those local pros will remember the referral, and clients will remember the convenience.
Being that connector adds real value. It says, “I don’t just sell homes here — I help people belong here.”
4. Local Connections Are Gold
Ask any new homeowner what they wish they had the week after moving in, and they’ll tell you: a trustworthy list of local pros.
From finding an electrician to locating the nearest dry cleaner, buyers face an instant scavenger hunt the moment they move. Online reviews help, but nothing beats a personal recommendation from someone who knows the area and the people in it.
This is where realtors can shine far beyond the sale. Sharing a curated list of trusted service providers — movers, handymen, landscapers, cleaning crews, or even a great local pizza spot — positions an agent as a true local expert. It also creates a ripple effect of goodwill. Those local pros will remember the referral, and clients will remember the convenience.
Being that connector adds real value. It says, “I don’t just sell homes here — I help people belong here.”
Bonus Thought: Buyers Don’t Remember the Transaction — They Remember How It Felt
Every buyer expects their realtor to handle the paperwork and negotiate the deal. But what they really remember is how supported they felt during the chaos of moving.
Realtors who go the extra step — the ones who anticipate, guide, and check in — are the ones clients tell stories about. They become the first call when a friend mentions buying a house, not because they had the best marketing materials, but because they made a stressful process feel smoother.
And that’s the sweet spot: transforming a transaction into a lasting relationship.
Final Takeaway
For most homebuyers, moving is the first big test of homeownership — and few people feel prepared for it. When realtors take the time to set expectations, offer practical guidance, and share their local connections, they’re not just selling homes; they’re building trust that lasts well beyond the sale.
The real mark of a great realtor isn’t how fast the deal closed. It’s how easy they made life after closing feel.